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Algorithm allows cameras to track health of psychiatric patients

Psychiatric patients at the UK's Broadmoor Hospital have been assessed in the first health monitoring trial using contactless camera-based technology.

The trial, using technology from Oxehealth, followed seven patient volunteers overnight and captured more than 180 hours of data. The company says the trials showed that its technology is able to monitor movement, heart rate and breathing rate with medical-standard accuracy.

At the hospital, existing arrangements require that patients are monitored by staff on a regular basis – including during the night – but the Oxecam product is able to process video images and alert staff when a patient appears to be at risk, through the use of algorithms. Oxecam says this can reduce sleep loss among patients, ameliorate risks to staff and patients, and improve patient care in general terms.

Dr Rob Bates, clinical director of Broadmoor Hospital, said: 'We were very pleased with the results of the trial and we think Oxehealth’s technology could really support patient care. This trial is a powerful demonstration of Broadmoor Hospital’s commitment to continually improving patient safety and care and our dedication to being world leaders in mental health practice and treatment innovation.'

Jonathan Chevallier, CEO at Oxehealth, added: 'I am delighted with how Oxehealth and Broadmoor Hospital have worked together to achieve a world first; monitoring the health of psychiatric patients with cameras in a secure room setting.

'This project has demonstrated the potential of the Oxecam technology to improve patient safety, treatment outcomes and well-being and to free up staff time to perform more patient care activities. We are now working hard on the first production release of the Oxecam and look forward to deploying this, not just into mental health but also to detention environments in the police and elsewhere.'